Panama City Beach Council Approves Land Use Changes, Meeting Time Adjustment, and Parks Board Dissolution

The council addressed ordinances, employee recognitions, and public concerns, focusing on city development and operations.

The council announced a Celebration of Life for the Honorable Gail Oberst on July 25 at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center, featuring a tree dedication for her service. Upcoming meetings include a budget workshop on August 6 at 9 a.m., a special council meeting on August 12 at 9 a.m. due to the Florida League of Cities event, and a regular council meeting on August 28 at 9 a.m.

The council unanimously approved the previous meeting’s minutes. The agenda was approved after removing Resolution 25-145 (Graybar agreement) for future consideration.

Justin Hunter Brown was recognized for five years as the longest-serving conservation park crew member. Rich McClanahan was honored for 30 years with the Beach Police, acknowledging his wife’s support. Cheryl Joyner reported on Parks and Recreation projects: Hooked restaurant demolition (targeted for spring), Aaron Bessant Pavilion (nearing completion), and completed works like the Frank Brown connector road and tennis courts. Ongoing projects include the Miracle League restroom/pavilion, pickleball courts under DEP review, and a safe room in state review. Statistics showed 631 summer camp participants, over 500 swim lesson attendees, 880 baseball/softball teams, and 130,000 pier visitors from April 1 to July 15. Upcoming events include fall youth sports and an October floating pumpkin patch.

A resident asked about a canceled municipal impacts workshop, rescheduled for late August/September due to data issues, per City Manager Drew Whitman. Concerns about a marine boom cutter boat’s storage and maintenance were addressed, with plans for Public Works storage and a cleaning policy. Tony Horton discussed the 2017 e-bike rental ban, noting illegal competitor operations; the council prioritized enforcement and CRA infrastructure completion. Captain Gary Wayne Beck criticized code enforcement over a $42,000 cleanup charge at 108 Heather Drive, with the city clarifying years of homeowner assistance.

Resolution 25-144, authorizing a $108,066.60 marine boom cutter boat purchase, and Resolution 25-146, adding $29,874.01 to the Alf Coleman Road project, were unanimously approved.

Ordinance 1661 amended a 1.5-acre parcel’s (RAWGP LLC) future land use from mixed use to tourist designation, passing a quasi-judicial hearing without objections. Ordinance 1662 rezoned the parcel from planned unit development to commercial medium intensity. Ordinance 1663 shifted the second Thursday council meeting to 5 p.m. and allowed rescheduling by resolution. Ordinance 1664 dissolved the Parks and Recreation Board, redirecting updates to council meetings.

Whitman congratulated McClanahan on 30 years and updated the Miracle League Pavilion project, noting the contractor’s termination, a performance bond claim, and a new contractor starting soon at no city cost.

Councilman Casto suggested flag systems for crosswalk safety, prompting a staff investigation. Councilman Register praised code enforcement and proposed crosswalk median lights. Vice Mayor Jarman commended McClanahan and the police department’s culture. Mayor Tettemer emphasized public safety and staff retention, closing with a call for guidance.

Watch the meeting here: